Apple has released iOS 18.4 Beta 2, introducing several enhancements designed to improve the user experience on compatible iPhones.
Highlights
Among the key updates is the Apple Intelligence-powered “Review Summaries” in the App Store, aimed at helping users quickly assess apps and games through concise AI-generated summaries of user reviews.
The update also includes enhanced search capabilities, expanded Visual Intelligence, Shortcuts improvements, and new emoji additions.
Apple Intelligence-Powered Review Summaries in the App Store
The new Review Summaries feature uses large language models to analyze user feedback and generate brief summaries highlighting key insights.
Each summary presents both positive and negative feedback, providing a balanced overview of user experiences without requiring users to read multiple individual reviews. Apple marks these summaries with the label “Automatically summarized from reviews” for transparency.
- Availability: Initially, this feature is limited to English-language apps in the US. Apple plans to expand it to more languages and regions over time.
- Update Frequency: Summaries are refreshed weekly as new reviews are submitted.
- App Eligibility: Only apps and games with a sufficient number of reviews will receive summaries, though Apple has not disclosed the exact threshold.
Enhanced Search Capabilities in the App Store
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 also introduces natural language search in the App Store, allowing users to search for apps and games using descriptive phrases rather than just specific keywords. Like Review Summaries, this feature is currently restricted to English in the US during the initial rollout phase.
Visual Intelligence Expands to iPhone 15 Pro Models
Apple is extending the Visual Intelligence feature to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with this update. Previously available only on the iPhone 16 series, this feature allows users to analyze objects, businesses, and posters using their camera, offering AI-powered insights and search results.
- Access Points: Users can activate Visual Intelligence via the Action Button or Control Center for quick access.
Shortcuts and Siri Enhancements
The Shortcuts app receives additional actions in iOS 18.4 Beta 2, providing users with more control over Apple apps, including Safari, Books, News, and Maps.
- These improvements are expected to lay the groundwork for expanded Siri capabilities, which will enable the assistant to perform more in-app and cross-app actions.
- While major Siri updates are anticipated in iOS 18.5, users can start exploring the expanded Shortcuts functionality in the current beta.
Additional Features and Improvements
New Emoji Additions
Seven new emoji have been introduced in iOS 18.4 Beta 2, expanding users’ expressive options. These include:
- Face with under-eye bags
- Fingerprint
- Shovel
- Splatter
- Tree without leaves
- Harp
- Other newly added designs
Control Center Enhancements
New toggles have been added to Control Center, providing quicker access to:
- Talk to Siri
- Type to Siri
- Visual Intelligence
Apple Vision Pro App Integration
A new Apple Vision Pro app is now available, offering:
- Essential headset information
- Setup guidance
- Curated content recommendations
This integration aims to bridge the gap between iPhone and spatial computing experiences.
Availability and Expected Release
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 is currently available to registered developers and public beta testers. The final public release is expected in early April, making these features available to all compatible iPhone models.
With this update, Apple continues to integrate AI-driven enhancements into its ecosystem, refining app discovery and improving user experience. Future updates are expected to expand on Apple Intelligence, bringing more AI-powered features to iOS.
